Technology

Expert explores China for unknown reptiles

Published

2 years ago

November 15, 2024

‘Doctor Snake’ from the US has discovered some 10 new species inside Hubei World Natural Heritage Site

BEIJING, Nov. 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — A report from China Daily

“Not venomous, it’s Elaphe carinata,” Kevin Messenger said to his companions with a smile, as a colorful king ratsnake sank its teeth into his left forearm.

The 42-year-old herpetologist from the United States, who is also a professor at the College of Life Sciences of Nanjing Forestry University, was conducting a field survey in the Shennongjia National Park in Hubei province.

“He’s not attacking, he’s defending. I attacked him,” he said calmly, clutching in his left hand the snake, which was almost as long as the height of a grown man, while one of his companions wiped away the fresh blood trickling from the wound.

Such a scene is a regular occurrence in his daily work. Over the years, Messenger has conducted scientific research in various ecological reserves in China, earning the nickname “Doctor Snake” among his colleagues.

Messenger has been fascinated by snakes since childhood. His earliest memory of a snake was at the age of 3, when his father, an emergency vet, brought home a python.

“I remember looking in the back of the truck and seeing this massive snake, and falling in love with it,” he recalled. “I just thought it was the coolest thing I’d ever seen.”

In May 2006, while he was finishing his undergraduate degree at North Carolina State University, Messenger noticed an online job posting that offered the chance to do a survey of reptiles and amphibians in the unexplored mountain range of Shennongjia.

He applied for the job, which was provided by a Sino-US collaborative research program, and just five days after his graduation, he flew to China and embarked on a four-month exploration of Shennongjia. “It was like a dream come true. Hiking and getting into the woods to catch reptiles and amphibians. … That is exactly doing what I love,” he said.

Messenger’s interest in China continued to grow in the following years, deciding to do field work in China for his PhD program.

In 2017, Messenger earned two PhDs, one from Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University and the other from Nanjing Forestry University. He then received a job offer in the US, but stayed in China to continue his research.
“One of the reasons why I wanted to continue my work in China is because the state of herpetology in China is still wide open,” he said. “You can still go out to many many different places and find new species. And the natural history of many of these species we still don’t have a full understanding of.”

During a field survey, Messenger usually spends about one week at a field station, going out multiple times a day to find and identify the reptiles and amphibians, trying to get a complete picture of their distribution.

He photographs them, sometimes collects a specimen, and occasionally does genetic work to identify their species. Following the survey, he returns to the university or home base and documents all the recordings in a database. “It is very tiring, very hard and underappreciated. But it is also very enjoyable. Every single time I see a snake, I just get super excited,” Messenger said.

Although he’s been bitten by snakes countless times, he does not blame them, believing that the majority of snakes are gentle and kind, and that biting is a form of self-defense.

In May 2012, Messenger was bitten by a venomous snake — Protobothrops jerdonii, or Jerdon’s pit viper — in Shennongjia, which left him unconscious for 30 to 40 minutes and his entire arm swollen.

He stayed in the hospital for two days, and it wasn’t until the seventh day that he was able to use chopsticks or write with his right hand.

Shennongjia is a place that Messenger holds dear, having visited the area as many as 16 times. He has discovered roughly 10 new species within this UNESCO World Heritage Site and he is currently working on what’s most likely a new species of toad.

“I’ve noticed more and more local people having an appreciation for the environment and wildlife and being more interested in doing whatever they can do to help,” he said, adding that this has further motivated him to continue his work in Shennongjia.

In June, he was appointed by the Shennongjia National Park Administration as an external expert to conduct long-term field research in the area.

As part of his work, Messenger explores new areas outside of Shennongjia to study the local flora and fauna. If these areas meet the criteria for inclusion within the protective zone, new boundaries will be drawn accordingly.

“Protecting the environment is protecting ourselves, because we belong to the environment,” he said.

In March, Messenger registered his marriage to Li Yecheng, from Anhui province, who subsequently accompanied him on his exploration of Shennongjia.

Messenger said his sister always asks their father, who has visited China and attended his wedding, when her brother will return home.

On the most recent occasion, their father told her that he sees no reason for Messenger to go back, as his support system in China is so good. “I’m hoping to stay in China for at least another 10 years, and then maybe continue for another 10 years after that,” he said.

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SOURCE China Daily

Technology

TCL CSOT to Explore the Future of Displays in the AI Era at DTC 2026

Published

31 minutes ago

November 8, 2026

WUHAN, China, Nov. 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The TCL CSOT Global Display Tech-Ecosystem Conference 2026 (DTC 2026) will take place in Wuhan, China, on November 13. Under the theme “TRUE VISION, AI IN MOTION,” this year’s conference will present TCL CSOT’s latest advances in Inkjet Printing OLED (IJP OLED), APEX display technologies, AI applications, and next-generation display solutions.

Displaying the Future in the AI Era
As AI accelerates change across digital content and intelligent devices, the ability to deliver rich colors and fine details while meeting the needs of different usage scenarios is becoming essential for translating display technology into experiences users can see and feel.

At DTC 2026, TCL CSOT will examine how AI is reshaping content creation, device form factors, and human-machine interaction, offering a closer look at how these shifts are expanding the role of displays in future intelligent experiences.

IJP OLED Moves toward Large-Scale Commercialization
Following more than a decade of research and development, TCL CSOT’s IJP OLED technology is advancing from technical validation toward large-scale production, marking a critical stage in its commercialization. Its expanding applications from medical displays into IT and consumer products demonstrate the growing potential of IJP OLED across monitors and future intelligent devices, attracting increasing attention throughout the display value chain.

At DTC 2026, TCL CSOT will share further updates on its IJP OLED development and continued exploration of the technology. As a major highlight of the conference, these advances will offer a closer look at the potential path for the development of next-generation display technologies.

APEX Platform Innovations Bring the Future of Display to Life
At DTC 2026, TCL CSOT will bring together a broad lineup of APEX platform innovations, highlighting advances in display experience, visual health, sustainability, and form-factor innovation. By connecting technology development with real-world applications, the showcase will translate the value of a “great display” into tangible experiences. From picture quality and viewing comfort to new product forms and use cases, the exhibits will offer industry partners and guests a clearer view of the diverse possibilities shaping the future of displays.

Industry Leaders to Exchange Perspectives on the Future of Displays
Beyond its technology and product showcases, DTC 2026 will bring together industry leaders and cross-sector thinkers to explore the future of displays. Jun Zhao, Senior Vice President of TCL Technology and CEO of TCL CSOT; Xiaolin Yan, CTO of TCL Technology and TCL CSOT; and science writer and Wenjin Book Award Winner Weigang Wan are expected to join the conference.

Their discussions will examine how AI is reshaping display standards, human-machine interaction, product development, and user experience. By bringing together perspectives from technology, content, and applications, DTC 2026 aims to present an integrated view of the forces shaping the future of displays and foster closer collaboration across the display ecosystem. More highlights from DTC 2026 will be announced soon.

SOURCE TCL CSOT

Technology

Club Offers for Travel Enthusiasts in the UK

Published

3 hours ago

November 8, 2026

LONDON, Nov. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Travelzoo® (NASDAQ: TZOO), the club for travel enthusiasts, announces four of many new Club Offers for Club Members in the UK.

Rigorously vetted and negotiated for us travel enthusiasts:

£420PP—DELUXE TUSCANY BREAK WITH DINNER & COOKING CLASS
Hotel Villa Il Patriarca sits in extensive grounds, surrounded by mature pine and cypress trees. This offer includes three nights in a Junior Suite, a 6-course dining experience at Michelin-listed I Salotti, a cooking class with the chef, and wine tasting. We have negotiated savings of £373 per couple in spring and summer.
  £200PP—2 NIGHTS AT NEW CORNWALL HOTEL
Travelzoo Club Members are invited to be the first guests at this new hotel when it opens in January. Elysium St Mawes in the Cornish village of St Mawes has been completely redesigned. We have negotiated savings of 50% on regular rates. Includes two nights, champagne, cream tea, and a session in the thermal spa.
  £199PP—FRENCH RIVIERA WITH FLIGHTS
Winter in Cannes means fewer crowds, golden light, and mild weather. This special rate is just for us Club Members—three nights at the Juliana Hotel Cannes in a balcony room, a stone’s throw from the famous Boulevard de la Croisette. Includes return flights.
  £99PP—TOP WEST END SHOW WITH DINNER
“Miss Saigon” returns to the West End for the first time since 2016. Tickets usually cost £99 per person but, with this offer, we also get a 2-course meal and drink at Gaucho Piccadilly before the show.

Are you a travel enthusiast? Join the club today: https://travelzoo.com

Who are we?
We, Travelzoo®, are the club for travel enthusiasts. We reach 30 million travellers. Club Members receive Club Offers negotiated and rigorously vetted by our deal experts around the globe. Our relationships with thousands of top travel companies give us access to irresistible deals. Our club and its benefits are built around the lifestyle of a modern travel enthusiast.

Media Contact:
Cat Jordan – London
+44 77 7678 1525
cjordan@travelzoo.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/club-offers-for-travel-enthusiasts-in-the-uk-302932597.html

SOURCE Travelzoo

Technology

Dynamic Pricing Raises New Questions for Forwarders Evaluating Automated Freight Quoting

Published

3 hours ago

November 8, 2026

As freight forwarders adopt AI freight quoting software, Aircon founder Chris Condon says buyers should measure more than response speed. He urges teams evaluating freight quote automation software to count total operator time, including review and correction, and to check how quotes hold up when shipment details change.

LEWISVILLE, Texas, Nov. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — As more freight forwarders adopt AI freight quoting software to keep pace with shifting rates, a practical question is emerging: how much of the time saved is later spent checking and fixing what the software produces? Chris Condon, founder and CEO of Aircon, says buyers evaluating freight quote automation software should look at dynamic pricing alongside the work required to turn a supplier’s rate into a customer commitment. His comments follow G2’s 2026 AI Agents Report, updated October 14, which examines the operating costs of reviewing and correcting automated work.

“A higher rate can still be the right choice if it supports the required service,” Condon said. “What matters is knowing what the price includes, which conditions apply and what still has to be confirmed before the customer relies on the answer.”

“Think about a hotel when a major concert comes to town,” Condon said. “Demand goes up, there are only so many rooms, and prices can rise. Freight responds to supply and demand too. The forwarder’s job is to work out whether the available price and service meet the customer’s need.”

Freight pricing reflects more than demand. Costs, contract terms, and shipment requirements all shape the final number. A changing rate tells the forwarder something about one particular option… building a customer offer still requires checking service conditions, outstanding confirmations, and the forwarder’s own commercial rules.

That verification step is where automated freight quoting is put to the test. Condon refers to it as decision assurance: organizing the inputs and evidence behind a proposed commitment, flagging open questions, and keeping a record of the decision, while the forwarder retains judgment and the customer relationship.

G2’s report draws on a July survey of 1,019 business technology decisionmakers across industries. Forty-five percent of respondents said oversight and rework consume more than a quarter of their expected productivity gains. The findings are self-reported and cover enterprise AI adoption broadly; the report is not specific to freight.

For teams comparing freight quoting software for forwarders, Condon suggests looking beyond response speed. He recommends measuring total operator time, including review and correction, and asking how any freight quote management software handles changes to shipment details…and whether a second operator can understand the conditions behind an earlier quote.

“The practical standard is to give the team time back and keep the judgment behind the customer commitment clear,” Condon said.

About Aircon:

Aircon provides decision-assurance software for freight forwarders, supporting the review that takes place before a quote becomes a customer commitment. It preserves inputs, evidence, and decision state within the forwarder’s existing workflow, while the forwarder retains the customer relationship and commercial judgment.

Media Contact

Chris Condon, Aircon, 1 (855) 750-4560, ccondon@aircon.ai, https://www.aircon.ai

View original content:https://www.prweb.com/releases/dynamic-pricing-raises-new-questions-for-forwarders-evaluating-automated-freight-quoting-302931757.html

SOURCE Aircon